FIFé breeding and registration rules

1. 1 General

The health and welfare of each individual cat or kitten must be the foremost concern for all breeders and owners of cats or kittens.

Responsible breeding based on genetic principles, disease prevention and an environment of love and comfort must be encouraged.

Accurate records regarding the health and breeding of cats and kittens must be kept.

1. 2 Husbandry and environment
   1. 2.1 General care

Adult cats and kittens must have their vaccinations updated regularly.

Sick cats and kittens must receive veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites, intestinal worms, heart worms etc., are sometimes unavoidable, but all cats must be regularly examined and treated.

Special measures must be taken for the prevention or spread of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases, including the use of vaccinations where available.

1. 2.2 Accommodation

1. 2.2.1 General conditions

Living accommodation, bedding, dishes, litter trays etc., must be kept clean at all times.

Cats must have water bowls with fresh water at all times, the right food when required or prescribed, comfortable bedding, play and activity items and climbing poles or similar.

Cats must have adequate space in which to move and play and should enjoy domestic living.

For cats unused to extreme temperatures, a range between 10º C to 35º C (50º F to 95º F) is acceptable but temperatures either below or above these averages necessitate either heating or cooling assistance.

Ventilation facilities are to be provided with fresh air (windows, doors, air conditioning) in order to minimise odours, moisture and drafts.

Natural and artificial lighting must be provided.

Cleaning and disinfecting facilities for floors, walls and furniture must be always available.

Although individual cats enjoy the company of other cats, overcrowding is to be avoided as this can lead to stress and aggression and, more importantly, can increase the risk of diseases.

Every cat or kitten must be given daily individual attention; this should include handling which allows for a check of the general health.

1. 2.2.2 Separated accommodations

Where accommodation is separate from a domestic environment, facilities must be for the cat’s best management and maintenance.

Under these conditions:

1. – a minimum of 6 square meters of floor space with a height of at least 1.80 m per cat is required
2. – more than one level must exist and a sleeping and/or refuge area must be included
3. – all areas must be suitable for human access and weatherproof.

With outdoor facilities:

1. – cats must be provided with sufficient shade to give them protection from direct sunlight
2. – in these cases, cats must be allowed access inside in order to remain dry if it rains or snows
3. – areas must be constructed to facilitate easy drainage.
4. 2.3 Re-homing ofcats

1. 2.3.1 Agreements

Any agreements or limitations with purchasers of kittens or users of stud cats must be in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

1. 2.3.2 Pet shops or research facilities forbidden

It is not permitted to sell or hand over cats with FIFe pedigrees to pet shops or similar organisations nor for any experimental research or testing.

It is also not permitted for members of FIFe Member clubs to offer/trade cats or services, such as stud services, by auction or similar actions either on electronic or actual events.

1. 2.3.3 Kittens

Kittens must not go to a new owner (home) before they are 14 weeks old and have been fully vaccinated against feline panleucopenia, feline calici virus and feline herpes virus, unless otherwise advised by a veterinarian.

All kittens must be identified by microchip and the identifying code shall be documented in or on the pedigree.

1. 2.4 Studs

Stud cats, which have to live in enclosed accommodation, must have a minimum of six square metres of floor space with a minimum height of 1.80 m available to them; at least two square metres must be enclosed and weatherproof. If this accommodation is shared, then the available surface must be larger. In all accommodation there must be more than one level and a sleeping or refuge area must be included.

All areas must be suitable for human access.

1. 2.5 Queens

All births must be attended in case problems occur.

Queens about to give birth or un-weaned kittens must have a separate area/room available.

1. 3 Breeding conditions
2. 3.1 General

All cats registered in a FIFe Pedigree book can be used for breeding unless restricted by:

• – the Breeding & Registration Rules (→ § 3, 6, 7, 8 or 9), or
• – national rules with regard to health issues.

FIFe Members are not permitted to impose any further stricter breeding or registration limitations.

1. 3.2 Studs

Before being used as a stud, a male cat shall have a veterinary certificate confirming that both testicles are normal and are descended into the scrotal sac.

A stud owned by a member of a FIFe Member may not be used for matings, which will result in unregistered kittens, i.e. for matings where the kittens will not receive an official pedigree from either a FIFe Member or a non- FIFe organisation.

1. 3.3 Queens

Queens must not have more than three litters in twenty-four months except with the prior written approval of a veterinarian and/or the FIFe Member.

A queen which requires repeated caesarean sections must not be used for further breeding.

A queen may not be allowed to be mated by a second male within 3 weeks of the previous mating.

1. 3.4 Microchip

All breeding cats must be identified by microchip and the identifying code shall be documented in or on the pedigree. Exception is granted for males which are not registered with FIFe.

1. 3.5 Genetic diseases and tests

1. 3.5.1 Test programmes

Cats in breeds which bear a risk of genetic disease and which satisfy the following criteria:

1. – the disease is fatal or causes chronic distress
2. – the disease occurs in a significant proportion of the breed
3. – a reliable test is available, and the disease could be eliminated

should be tested for such diseases. Each FIFe Member must develop appropriate programmes.

If tests are made mandatory, either by a programme established by the FIFe Member or by a breed specific entry in § 6 of the Breeding and Registration Rules, the FIFe Member must register the test results, based on laboratory documentation submitted by the breeder, and the test results must be indicated either on the pedigree itself on or a separate appendix to the pedigree.

Any proposal to implement a mandatory test in § 6 of the Breeding & Registration Rules must be accompanied by scientifically valid data, as well as a scientifically motivated test programme and breeding programme. Such a rule for a mandatory test should include a review schedule, at least once every five years, for the continued validity of the test, which has to be carried out by the Health & Welfare Commission. This commission must report on this review to the General Assembly.

Information on genetic diseases and advice on testing and health examinations will be researched and provided by the Health & Welfare Commission (→ Appendix I and Appendix II).

The Health & Welfare Commission can help and advise the FIFe Members with information on genetic diseases and testing programmes. The Judges & Standards, the Breeding & Registration Commission and the other Commissions will be consulted if necessary.

1. 3.5.2 Genetic diseases

The FIFe will not register or recognise any new breed of cats with breed characteristics based on phenotypic abnormalities or other congenital traits which give rise to health problems or impede the normal life of the cat.

The FIFe will not register or recognise any breed of cats showing as a breed characteristic:

1. – achondroplasia/pseudo-achondroplasia

an autosomal dominant gene resulting in dwarfism, shortened limbs and legs and other physical defects (for example the Munchkin)

1. – osteochondrodysplasia:

an autosomal dominant gene causing progressive joint, bone and cartilage deformity (for example the Scottish Fold)

1. – any other form of genetic mutation which results in a miniaturised cat or a foreshortening of the limbs of the cats.

The FIFe will not accept any new preliminary recognition applications for hairless varieties or partially hairless breeds, the current recognised breeds excepted: Sphynx, Don Sphynx and Peterbald.

1. 3.6 Cats not allowed for breeding

The following cats are not allowed for breeding:

– deaf cats (→ § 3.6.4)

• – cats with an umbilical hernia
• – cats without whiskers
• – any type of “wild” cat or any new breed based on “wild” cats (→ § 3.6.1)
• – cats suffering from (pseudo-)achondroplasia or osteochondrodysplasia (→ § 3.6.2)
• – cats suffering from congenital abnormalities (→ § 3.6.3).

It is not permitted to consider cats not allowed for breeding based on the sole fact they have not obtained whichever qualification at shows.

1. 3.6.1 “Wild” cats and new breeds based on “wild”cats

FIFe will not recognise nor create EMS-codes for:

1. – any type of “wild” cat (→ FIFe General Rules § 13.1)
2. – any new breed based on “wild” cats.

Such cats:

1. – are not allowed for breeding
2. – cannot be registered with FIFe
3. – cannot be exhibited at a FIFe show
4. – cannot be promoted or advertised.

Remark: the breed Toyger is considered an established breed based on an outcross of a FIFe recognised breed (Bengal) and not a new breed based on a wild species.

1. 3.6.2 Cats suffering from (pseudo-)achondroplasia orosteochondrodysplasia

FIFe will not recognise nor create EMS-codes for:

• – cats suffering from (pseudo-)achondroplasia (→ § 3.5.2)
• – cats suffering from osteochondrodysplasia (→ § 3.5.2).

Cats suffering from (pseudo-)achondroplasia or osteochondrodysplasia, or with such a cat in their ancestry:

• – are not allowed for breeding
• – cannot be registered with FIFe
• – cannot be exhibited at a FIFe show
• – cannot be promoted or advertised.

1. 3.6.3 Cats suffering from congenital abnormalities

FIFe will not support or encourage breeding with cats suffering from congenital abnormalities, for ex.:

• – hairless cats (except the current recognised breeds: Sphynx, Don Sphynx and Peterbald)
• – cats with deformities of the feet or legs, for example polydactylism or oligodactylism (too many or too few toes)
• – cats having other congenital disqualifying faults (→ General Part to the Standards).

Such cats:

• – are not allowed for breeding
• – cannot be sold as breeding cats; a breeder selling such a cat must send a request to their FIFe Member for a “breeding restriction” to be put on the pedigree
• – cannot be promoted or advertised.

1. 3.6.4 White cats

White cats must be tested for hearing before they are used for breeding. Mating between two white cats is not allowed.

1. 4 Pedigree book
2. 4.1 Definition of pedigree book and pedigree

The pedigree book is the complete register of cats.

Full information concerning the cat is required; i.e. the name of the cat, the cattery name, the complete registration number including the identity of the registration body, sex, complete EMS-code and date of birth, as well as information on both parents (→ § 4.5).

For cats born after 01.01.2007 the identifying code of both parents is required according to § 3.4 and must be registered in the pedigree book, except for cats referred to in § 4.6.2.

A printout and/or a digital version of the pedigree book regarding an individual cat and its ancestry is the pedigree (→ § 4.5). Ancestry is considered four generations prior to the cat.

No cat can carry a cattery name other than that of its breeder. The breeder is the owner of the female cat at the time of mating. However, the breeder may give the buyer of a pregnant female permission to register the offspring under the cattery name of the new owner.

1. 4.2 Description of the pedigree book “LO” (Livred’Origine)

The LO register contains cats that:

• – belong to a breed fully recognised by FIFe (→ § 6.1) and
• – have a fully recognised variety for the actual breed (→ the FIFe EMS-list) and
• – have a pedigree of pure breeding (→ § 6.1.2) of at least 3 generations prior to the actual cat and
• – have the information available as laid down in § 4.5.

1. 4.3 Description of the experimental pedigree book “RIEX” (Registre Initial et Experimental)

The RIEX register is a register where cats are entered which:

• – do not meet the requirements laid down for the LO register (→ § 4.2) or
• – result from crossbreeding (→ § 9.1).

When cats fulfil all the requirements for entry in the LO register according to § 4.2, it is not permitted to enter them in (or to downgrade them to) the RIEX register based on the sole fact they have not obtained whichever qualification at shows.

1. 4.4 Transfer from the RIEX to the LO register

A cat must automatically be transferred from the RIEX to the LO register if the requirements for the LO register are achieved.

1. 4.5 Pedigree

A FIFe Member:

• – must offer pedigree services to its membership
• – is only entitled to issue pedigrees for cats bred / owned by individuals holding membership in the organisation. It is not permitted to issue pedigrees to non-members.

Pedigrees issued by a FIFe Member:

• – must show the FIFe logo and the name of the FIFe Member on the page where the details of the cat and the ancestors are listedand
• – must be signed and authorised by the FIFe Member.

At point of issue the pedigree must contain at least the following information on the cat in question:

• – name and achieved titles
• – date of birth
• – sex
• – registration number
• – complete original registration number including the identity of the registration body
• – breed/colour/pattern as EMS-code according to genotype (in consideration of phenotype, → § 5.1.1)

• – name of the breeder
• – information on four (4) generations of ancestors prior to the cat in question.

Information on the parents must include at least the following:

• – names and titles
• – complete original registration numbers including the identity of the registration body
• – breed/colour/pattern as EMS-code
• – identifying code (→ § 3.4).

Information about grandparents and great-grandparents must include at least the following:

• – names and titles
• – complete original registration numbers including the identity of the registration body
• – breed/colour/pattern as EMS-code.

Information about great-great-grandparents must include at least the following:

• – names and titles
• – breed/colour/pattern as EMS-code
• – if possible, the complete original registration numbers including the identity of the registration body may be included.

If the required minimum information – as listed above – on any ancestor of the cat is not available, then:

• − the cat must be entered in the RIEX register
• − the available items of the ancestor must be printed on the pedigree
• − the missing items of the ancestor can be left out on the pedigree.

1. 4.6 Import andtransfer

1. 4.6.1 Import from another FIFeMember

The original pedigree of an imported cat must be respected. However, faults and violations of the Breeding & Registration Rules must be corrected and the exporting FIFe Member must be informed of these corrections.

1. 4.6.2 Transfer of pedigrees from non-FIFeorganisations

When registering cats imported with an official pedigree from non-FIFe organisations:

• – the importing FIFe Member decides upon the reliability of the non-FIFe organisation
• – the registration in the Pedigree book must always fulfil the genetic principles and the requirements of the FIFe Breeding & Registration Rules, except for the requirement regarding the identifying code of both parents of the cat, as laid down in § 4.5
• – the original pedigree must be respected; however, faults and violations of the Breeding & Registration Rules must be corrected.

A cat imported with a pedigree from a non-FIFe organisation:

• – fulfilling the requirements for registration in the LO register according to § 4.2 must be entered in the LO register and may not be downgraded to the RIEX register
• – not fulfilling the requirements for registration in the LO register according to § 4.2 must be entered in the RIEX register and may not be upgraded to the LO register.

If the exporting organisation uses transfer declarations, such a declaration must be provided before the cat can be registered in the Pedigree book.

Imported cats will not retain their titles. Titles of forbears may be retained on the pedigree.

1. 4.6.3 Original name of an imported cat to beretained

It is forbidden for any FIFe Member to deliberately register a cat with anything other than its original name.

The pedigree originally issued for a cat may never be destroyed when the cat is imported into a FIFe club.

1. 5 Registrationrules
2. 5.1 Registration ofcats

1. 5.1.1 General principles

All kittens bred by a National FIFe Member’s member must be first registered in FIFe and a FIFe pedigree must be issued.

Registration of a cat in the Pedigree book must be done according to the EMS-system and genetic principles.

To register cats in a pedigree-book the breeder must have a cattery name registered in the FIFe Book of Cattery Names (BCN). An exception can be granted by the FIFe Member for no more than two litters bred by an individual breeder.

If a cat’s phenotype differs from its genotype, also the phenotype must be registered in the Pedigree book, after the genotype has been proven by:

• – the genetics of the parents
• – its progeny.

In these cases, both the cat’s known genotype and phenotype must be noted in the pedigree. The phenotype must be in accordance with the description in the EMS-system and must be written in brackets in the pedigree.

A cat must compete at shows according to phenotype.

Once registered, the EMS code of a cat can be amended upon request of the cat’s breeder or owner until the age of 10 months.

Otherwise such changes may only be made if the amendment has been proven by:

• – the genetics of the cat’s parents
• – its progeny
• – a genetic test

or after having been shown in class 13c (Determination class)

or having received a transfer recommendation in accordance with Show Rules § 6.5.

If a change in the EMS code of a cat results in a change of variety / group, then:

• – already approved titles must always be retained (for recognised varieties)
• – all certificates for the next title must be gained in the new variety / group.

1. 5.1.2 Special codes forregistration

5. 5.1.2.1 The use of brackets and theirmeaning

The meaning of the different types of brackets used in the EMS codes to indicate differences in breeding status:

XXX means EMS code for the relevant breed Target breed: (XXX)

An indication of the final goal of a breeding program. All cats in the breeding program must be identified by this to show which breed is the final goal – the target breed.

Cats with this indication can be shown in the Control class (class 13b) to establish if the standard of the target breed has been reached (→ § 9.1).

This type of brackets is also used for Novice cats which can be shown in the Novice class (class 13a) in order to obtain re-registration (→ § 9.2).

Breeding program: [XXX]

Indication for cats which can take part in a breeding programme, but cannot be re-registered and cannot be shown in the Control class (class 13b).

Originating breed: <XXX>

Indication for cats belonging to a non-standard variety, which is prohibited in the standard of a breed, but born out of two purebred cats – i.e. both parents must be of the same breed. These cats cannot be used for breeding, cannot be re-registered and cannot be shown in the Control class (class 13b).

5. 5.1.2.2 Breed specific modifiers

The EMS code “t” will be used for breed specific modifiers. The modifier code must be added to the EMS code for colour.

Recognised modifiers:

BEN – agouti/non-agouti modifiers Charcoal (non-recognised variety) NFO – black modifier Amber

For NFO the EMS codes “dt” and “et” may be used to register the genotype of red/cream progeny from two amber / amber carrying cats together with their phenotype “d” respectively “e” in brackets, in accordance with § 5.1.1. The EMS codes “dt” and “et” may only be used for registration purposes.

Registration examples:

BEN x nt 24 Bengal black charcoal spotted (non-recognised variety) NFO at 22 Norwegian Forest Cat light amber blotched

5. 5.1.2.3 Dilute modifier(“m”)

Remark:

This effect of the Dilute Modifiers is, according to the theory, the result of a dilution of diluted colours in combination with a gene described as dilute modifier. In FIFe Siamese e.g. can be registered as:

1. 5.1.3 Registrationnumber

From 01.01.1997 all new entries in the Pedigree book must be made according to the following principle:

(Country code) + (Abbreviation of FIFe Member) + (LO or RX) + (no.)

From 01.01.2010 the country code to be used is the international ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code of country names (→ FIFe General Rules, Annex 2).

For example:

• – a cat entered in the LO in Sweden will be registered as (SE) SVERAK LO nnnn
• – a cat entered in the RIEX in France will be registered as (FR) FFF RX nnnn.

If a pedigree is established (LO or RIEX), all the original registration numbers from the ancestors must be maintained absolutely.

It is not allowed to give cats, other than those newly imported a new FIFe registration number.

The first and original registration number of each cat must be visibly kept on its pedigree whenever imported cats are concerned.

5. 5.2 Registration of catterynames

5. 5.2.1 The FIFe Book of Cattery Names(BCN)

FIFe will keep an international book of cattery names (BCN) registered by the Members of FIFe and approved by the FIFe.

5. 5.2.2 The catteryname

A cattery name shall not contain:

5. – more than 18 letters or signs
6. – an EMS code or any other abbreviation for any breed or name of breed (exceptions are made for individual members residing in countries as outlined in Appendix III)
7. – the word “cattery” in any language.

A cattery name is the private and personal property of a breeder and cannot, after registration, be changed, except under circumstances listed in § 5.2.5.

5. 5.2.3 Application for a FIFe catteryname

Individual members of a FIFe organisation:

• − shall request to register a cattery name in the Book of Cattery Names through their national FIFe Member
• − are allowed only one FIFe registered cattery name. Three alternative names should be submitted.

A cattery name may only be registered if no other identical or similar cattery name, which might give rise to confusion, is listed in the BCN. Exceptions are made for individual members residing in countries as outlined in Appendix III.

A fee decided by the FIFe General Assembly will be charged for registration of a cattery name. The current fee is listed in the FIFe General Rules, Annex 1.

5. 5.2.4 The use of a catteryname

The use of a cattery name not registered in the FIFe BCN is not allowed for any individual member.

5. 5.2.5 Changes of a catteryname

If a cattery name has been registered in the name of two people living at the same address, neither of the partners can acquire a second cattery name.

In case of separation of partners, the FIFe General Secretary shall be informed as to which of the partners is to retain the cattery name.

A cattery name may be inherited or transferred during the lifetime of the owner, within the family or relatives, to a person who is a member of a FIFe Member.

After the death of the owner of a cattery name, it cannot be used for the next 20 years, unless it is transferred to a lawful heir who is a member of a FIFe Member.

A cattery name once issued can be changed only for a very good reason.

5. 5.2.6 Deletion of a catteryname

Cattery names in the BCN of FIFe will be deleted at the request of the FIFe Member where the name is registered and may be re-allocated if one of the following conditions applies:

5. – The owner of the cattery name has been excluded by the FIFe Member
6. – The owner of the cattery name died without the name being claimed by a lawful heir within 5 years
7. – The owner of the cattery name left the FIFe Member and is breeding in a non-FIFe organisation
8. – A period of 25 years has elapsed since the last litter registration
9. – The cattery name has never been used within a period of 10 years since its registration in the BCN.

If a FIFe Member is obliged to expel an individual member, the name of the latter and that of his cattery shall be reported to the FIFe General Secretary.

5. 5.3 Registration oftitles

5. 5.3.1 List of FIFetitles

* for breeds with preliminary recognition or for preliminary recognised varieties of a recognised breed, the abbreviations of the titles Champion, Premier, International Champion and International Premier will be preceded by a “P” indicating a preliminary title (i.e. PCH, PPR, PIC, PIP)

All FIFe show titles are only available for FIFe registered cats (and house cats), owned by individual members of national FIFe Members. All certificates for a CH/PR, IC/IP, GIC/GIP, SC/SP title must have been obtained in the same variety (EMS code) / group.

5. 5.3.2 Distinguished Merit(DM)

The FIFe title of “Distinguished Merit (DM)” shall be awarded to a cat according to the following rules:

1. a. The required number of offspring to obtain the titles IC/IP or higher, alternatively DSM, DVM, JW or DM, should be a minimum of 5 for both a female cat and a male cat. Among the offspring of the male at least one of the above titles or higher must have been achieved after01.01.2023.
2. b. Only FIFe registered titles are valid.
3. c. The owner may claim the title “DM” in the same manner as other existing titles are claimed.
4. d. The “DM” shall be placed after the full name of the cat.

1. 6 Rules for recognisedbreeds
2. 6.1 List of recognisedbreeds

1. 6.1.1 Sisterbreeds

Sister breeds are breeds which share the same standards except for coat length and/or pattern. For recognised breeds, sister breeds can be inter-mated without permission, except if indicated otherwise in the Breeding & Registration Rules.

This definition also applies to preliminary recognised breeds (→ § 7.1) and non-recognised breeds with preliminary abbreviations (→ § 8.1).

1. 6.1.2 Pure-breeding

A cat is considered “pure bred” when its pedigree shows ancestors in a recognised variety for the same breed or sister breed in at least 3 generations prior to the actual cat. This definition also applies to preliminary recognised breeds (→ § 7.1).

1. 6.1.3 Special restrictions and registration rules for somebreeds

For progeny of two cats within a recognised breed in a colour, pattern and/or coat length specifically excluded in the sub-articles to this article or in the FIFe breed standard, any cat of the excluded variety must be registered as longhair / shorthair progeny with the indication of the originating breed:

1. – XLH * <EMS-code of the originating breed>

and as its description: “Non-recognised longhair” + the description for colour, pattern, etc. according to the EMS system

1. – XSH * <EMS-code of the originating breed>

and as its description: “Non-recognised shorthair” + the description for colour, pattern, etc. according to the EMS system.

(* – the asterisk – stands for additional information according to the EMS-system, i.e. lower-case basic colours letters, etc.)

Cats with the indication “<EMS-code of originating breed>” cannot be used for breeding.

1. 6.2 ACL/ACS (American Curl Longhair andShorthair)

ACL/ACS with straight ears are to be registered as ACL/ACS x * 71 (i.e. as an unrecognised variety) in the RIEX registry.

ACL/ACS with straight ears can be used in the breeding programme for ACL/ACS.

1. 6.3 BEN(Bengal)

Novice cats are not permitted. Crossbreeding with Bengals is not permitted.

Bengals of generations F1–F4 are not allowed for breeding.

Charcoal varieties must be registered as BEN x *t, i.e. as a non-recognised variety in the RIEX register. Charcoal BEN can be used in breeding programmes for BEN.

1. 6.4 BLH/BSH (British Longhair andShorthair)

No progeny of cats suffering from osteochondrodysplasia (→ § 3.6.2), regardless of ear-type, may be registered as a BLH/BSH.

Registration of tipped cats (shaded and shell)

EMS code 12 shall not be used; code 11 (with the description “tipped”) shall be used in case of a shaded or shell cat.

1. 6.5 BUR(Burmese)

The FIFe shall only recognise the following EMS-codes in Burmese: n, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, j.

The FIFe will not encourage any person or federation to produce Burmese in any other colour varieties than those listed above.

When breeding Burmese:

• – Silver and/or agouti varieties and/or piebald spotting are not allowed for breeding
• – Offspring in a non-recognised variety shall be registered as XSH * <BUR>
• – Burmese cats used in breeding must have a DNA-test for GM2 gangliosidosis, unless both parents are proven to be free from GM2 gangliosidosis
• – These breeding principles are to be followed:
• − GM2-free x GM2-free
• − GM2-free x GM2-carrier
• – The cats that need testing according to this rule must be identifiable by microchip or tattoo
• – Test results must be registered and published in accordance with § 3.5.1
• – The breeder must inform buyers of Burmese cats about the GM2 gangliosidosis-disease and the registration policy.

1. 6.6 DSP (Don Sphynx)

DSP can only be used for breeding DSP.

Appearances of offspring and how these must be registered when mating DSP x DSP:

* means additional information following the EMS-system; i.e. lower-case basic colour letter etc. Registration of tabby, silver and golden

For hairless tabby varieties of DSP, always EMS code “21” must be used regardless of the genotype. For non-hairless (81/82/83) tabby varieties the EMS codes 11, 12 or 22-25 must be used.

For hairless varieties of DSP, the EMS-codes “s” (silver) and “y” (golden) shall not be used regardless of the genotype. For non-hairless varieties (81/82/83) silver and golden must be registered.

Registration of “flock” coat variety: DSP *

The word “flock” means the cat has residual flock hair of no more than 2 mm. in length on the whole body.

DSP with flock coat structure is a recognised variety.

No specific EMS code needs to be added for the flock coat structure.

Registration of long/short coat variety: DSP x * 81/82

The gene that causes the DSP hairlessness is a dominant gene, i.e. kittens with normal fur / coat can be born out of two pure bred hairless cats. Coated cats are an integrated part of the breed DSP.

DSP with long/short coat must be registered as a non-recognised (“x”) variety and by using the code for longhair (81) or shorthair (82).

Registration examples:

DSP x n 21 33 81 Don Sphynx seal tabby point longhair

DSP x f 03 24 82 Don Sphynx bicolour black tortie spotted shorthair

Registration of “brush” coat variety: DSP x * 83

The word “brush” means the cat has fine wavy, often wiry, hair of more than 2 mm. in length on the whole body, with bald areas on the head, upper part of the neck or on the back.

DSP with brush coat structure must be registered as a non-recognised variety (“x”) and by using the code for brush (83).

Registration examples:

DSP x n 21 33 83 Don Sphynx seal tabby point brush

DSP x f 03 24 83 Don Sphynx bicolour black tortie spotted brush

1. 6.7 EUR(European)

FIFe shall not recognise any other coat length than shorthair in the European (EUR). Longhair cats must be registered as XLH * <EUR>.

Chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn (i.e. EMS codes b, c, h, j, o, p, q and r) and shaded, shell, golden, ticked tabby and pointed (i.e. EMS-codes y, 11, 12, 25, 31, 32 and 33) are not permitted and must be registered as XSH * <EUR>.

In case of outcross, it is only permitted to use domestic shorthair cats from Europe. The domestic shorthair cats in question should be DNA tested (to rule out the longhair gene, the colour chocolate and the pointed gene) and be registered as XSH *.

1. 6.8 JBS (Japanese Bobtail Shorthair)

Silver, shaded, shell, golden, ticked tabby and pointed (i.e. EMS-codes s, y, 11, 12, 25, 31, 32 and 33) are not permitted in the Japanese Bobtail Shorthair (JBS) and must be registered as XSH * <JBS>.

1. 6.9 KBL/KBS (Kurilean Bobtail Longhair andShorthair)

Only cats imported from the Kurile Islands, with certification, may be entered in the Novice class for recognition. No outcross breeds are permitted.

Chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn and pointed patterns are not permitted and must be registered as XLH * <KBL> or XSH * <KBS>.

1. 6.10 KOR(Korat)

The FIFe shall not recognise any other variety than blue in the Korat.

The FIFe will not encourage any person or federation to produce colours other than blue in the Korat. When breeding Korats:

• – Only blue KOR shall be used, and only blue offspring from blue KOR parents can be

registered as Korat (KOR).

• – Offspring in a variety other than blue shall be registered as XSH * <KOR> / XLH * <KOR>
• – Only Korats imported from Thailand may be entered in the novice class for recognition. Their origin must be officially proven by documentation.
• – Korat cats used in breeding must have a DNA-test for GM, unless both parents are proven to be free from GM.
• – These breeding principles are to be followed:
• – GM-free x GM-free
• – Non-carrier x carrier – provided that all offspring are GM-tested.
• – If a desired mating is not completely covered by points above, the FIFe Member must approve such a mating in advance after having received a well-founded application. The FIFe Member states all conditions if the application is granted.
• – The cats that need testing according to this rule must be identifiable by microchip or tattoo
• – Test results must be registered and published in accordance with § 3.5.1
• – The breeder must inform buyers of Korat cats about the GM-diseases and the registration policy.

1. 6.11 LPL/LPS (LaPerm Longhair andShorthair)

LPL/LPS can only be used for breeding LPL/LPS. Registration of straight coat variety: LPL x * 84 / LPS x * 84

The gene that causes the LPL/LPS curls is a dominant gene, i.e. kittens with normal fur / straight coat can be born out of two pure bred LPL/LPS.

Straight coated cats are an integrated part of the breeds LPL/LPS.

LPL/LPS with straight long/short coat must be registered as a non-recognised variety (“x”) and by using the code for straight coat (84).

1. 6.12 MAN/CYM (Manx andCymric)

A Manx/Cymric having at least three generations of MAN/CYM (MAN/CYM 51, 52, 53 and 54) prior to the actual cat must be registered in the LO register.

Remark: Manx/Cymric having MAN/CYM 54 in its pedigree in one or more of the three generations prior to the cat in question, will be registered in the LO register.

1. 6.13 MAU (EgyptianMau)

Novice cats are not permitted.

1. 6.14 MCO (MaineCoon)

The Novice class is only open to longhair cats born in Northeast America. Their origin must be proved officially by documentation.

Any crossing with other breeds is prohibited.

The FIFe shall not recognise any pointed variety in the Maine Coon (MCO).

Chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn and pointed patterns are not permitted and must be registered as XLH * <MCO>.

MCO with blue eyes are only allowed with EMS codes w, 01, 02 and 03. In any other variety they must be registered as XLH * 61 <MCO> and cannot be re-registered or used for breeding.

1. 6.15 NEM (NevaMasquerade)

Novice class is only accepted for cats born in the former USSR.

Any crossing with other breeds is prohibited, except with sister breed Siberian (SIB).

Chocolate-, lilac-, cinnamon- and fawn-pointed patterns are not permitted and must be registered as XLH * <NEM>.

1. 6.16 NFO (Norwegian ForestCat)

The FIFe shall not recognise any pointed variety in the Norwegian Forest Cat (NFO).

Chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn and pointed patterns are not permitted and must be registered as XLH * <NFO>.

When breeding Norwegian Forest Cats:

• – Cats shall be DNA tested for the GBE-1 gene (GSD IV – glycogen storage disease), unless both parents of the breeding cat are proven not to be carriers of GSD IV
• – Cats to be tested after this rule must be identifiable by microchip or tattoo, and the microchip or tattoo ID number shall follow the test documentation to the laboratory and be clearly stated on the test result certificate
• – The following breeding principle must be observed:
• − carriers must not be mated with carriers
• – Test results must be registered and published in accordance with § 3.5.1.

1. 6.17 OCI (Ocicat)

Reds, creams and tortie-tabbies are not allowed and must be registered as: XSH * <OCI>.

Cinnamon and fawns showing high levels of rufism may resemble red or cream but can never produce female tortie-tabbies.

1. 6.18 PEB(Peterbald)

PEB can only be used for breeding PEB.

Permitted outcrosses are: BAL, OLH, OSH and SIA (→ § 6.21).

PEB must be DNA tested for CEP290 (PRA-rdAC) prior to mating, unless both parents of the breeding cats are proven not to carry PRA (N/N).

Cats to be tested after this rule must be identifiable by microchip or tattoo, and the microchip or tattoo ID number shall follow the test documentation to the laboratory and be clearly stated on the test result certificate.

Only the following matings are allowed:

• – PRA non-carrier (N/N) x PRA non-carrier (N/N)
• – PRA non-carrier (N/N) x PRA carrier (N/rdAC).

The results must be registered and published in accordance with § 3.5.1.

Appearances of offspring and how these must be registered

when mating PEB x PEB or when mating PEB x BAL/OLH/OSH/SIA:

• * means additional information following the EMS-system; i.e. lower-case basic colour letter etc. Registration of tabby, silver and golden

For hairless tabby varieties of PEB, always EMS code “21” must be used regardless of the genotype. For non-hairless (81/82/83) tabby varieties the EMS codes 11, 12 or 22-25 must be used.

For hairless varieties of PEB, the EMS-codes “s” (silver) and “y” (golden) shall not be used regardless of the genotype. For non-hairless varieties (81/82/83) silver and golden must be registered.

Registration of “flock” coat variety: PEB *

The word “flock” means the cat has residual flock hair of no more than 2 mm. in length on the whole body. PEB with flock coat structure is a recognised variety. No specific EMS code needs to be added for the flock coat structure.

Registration of “brush” coat variety: PEB * 83

The word “brush” means the cat has fine wavy, often wiry, hair of more than 2 mm. in length on the whole body, with bald areas on the head, upper part of the neck or on the back.

PEB with brush coat structure is a recognised variety and must be registered by using the EMS code for brush (83).

Registration examples:

PEB n 21 33 83 Peterbald seal tabby point brush

PEB f 03 24 83 Peterbald bicolour black tortie spotted brush

Registration of long/short coat variety: PEB x * 81/82

The gene that causes the PEB hairlessness is a dominant gene, i.e. kittens with normal fur / coat can be born out of two pure bred hairless cats. Coated cats are an integrated part of the breed PEB.

PEB with long/short coat must be registered as a non-recognised variety (“x”) and by using the code for longhair (81) or shorthair (82).

Registration examples:

PEB x n 21 33 81 Peterbald seal tabby point longhair

PEB x f 03 24 82 Peterbald bicolour black tortie spotted shorthair

1. 6.19 RAG (Ragdoll)

The FIFe shall not recognise any other variety than Siamese pointed with blue eyes in the Ragdoll (RAG); any other variety must be registered as XLH * <RAG>.

1. 6.20 RUS (Russian Blue)

The FIFe shall not recognise any variety other than blue in the Russian Blue.

The FIFe will not encourage any person or federation to produce colours other than blue in the Russian Blue.

When breeding Russian Blues:

• – only blue shorthair progeny from blue parents can be registered as Russian Blue (RUS)
• – shorthair progeny in a variety other than blue must be registered as XSH * <RUS>
• – longhair progeny: sister breed Nebelung – NEB non (→ § 8.4).

1. 6.21 SIA/BAL/OSH/OLH (Siamese, Balinese and OrientalShorthair/Longhair)

SIA/BAL/OSH/OLH must be DNA tested for CEP290 (PRA-rdAC) prior to mating, unless both parents of the breeding cats are proven not to carry PRA (N/N).

Cats to be tested after this rule must be identifiable by microchip or tattoo, and the microchip or tattoo ID number shall follow the test documentation to the laboratory and be clearly stated on the test result certificate.

Only the following matings are allowed:

• – PRA non-carrier (N/N) x PRA non-carrier (N/N)
• – PRA non-carrier (N/N) x PRA carrier (N/rdAC).

The results must be registered and published in accordance with § 3.5.1.

Crosses of Siamese and Balinese of all varieties with silvers of any variety are prohibited.

At the breeder’s request, exceptions may be allowed by the FIFe Member. In such cases the FIFe Member will be responsible for the determination of the colours of the offspring.

1. 6.22 SIB(Siberian)

Novice class only accepted for cats born in the former USSR.

Any crossing with other breeds is prohibited, except with sister breed Neva Masquerade (NEM).

Chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn with or without pointed patterns are not permitted and must be registered as XLH * <SIB>.

Pointed cats in other colours must be registered as NEM *.

1. 6.23 SIN(Singapura)

Other colour varieties than seal sepia ticked tabby (brown Burmese pointed ticked tabby) are not permitted and must be registered as XSH * <SIN>.

1. 6.24 SOK(Sokoke)

Only Sokoke cats imported from the Sokoke district in Kenya (Africa) may be entered in the Novice class for recognition. Their origin must be officially proved by documentation.

1. 6.25 SPH(Sphynx)

For hairless breeds like SPH, the EMS-codes “s” (silver) and “y” (golden) shall not be used regardless of the genotype.

1. 6.26 SRL/SRS (Selkirk Rex Longhair andShorthair)

SRL/SRS can only be used for breeding SRL/SRS.

Permitted outcrosses until 01.01.2026 for SRL and SRS are BLH/BSH.

All outcross breeding and registration of kittens must follow § 9.1.

Registration of straight coat variety: SRL x * 84 / SRS x * 84

The gene that causes the SRL/SRS curls is a dominant gene, i.e. kittens with normal fur / straight coat can be born out of two pure bred SRL/SRS.

Straight coated cats are an integrated part of the breeds SRL/SRS.

SRL/SRS with straight long/short coat must be registered as a non-recognised variety (“x”) and by using the code for straight coat (84).

1. 6.27 THA(Thai)

Crossbreeding is not allowed.

Only recognised colours shall be used.

Cinnamon, fawn, silver, golden and white are not permitted; offspring in these colours must be registered as XSH * <THA>.

Cats bred or imported from other organisations cannot be registered or shown as THA if any other breed occurs within the first four generations of ancestors prior to the cat (visible in a FIFe pedigree).

Only THA imported from Thailand may be entered in the novice class for recognition. Their origin must be officially proven by documentation.

1. 6.28 TUA (TurkishAngora)

The FIFe shall not recognise any pointed variety in the Turkish Angora (TUA).

Chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn and pointed patterns are not permitted and must be registered as XLH * <TUA>.

1. 6.29 TUV (Turkish Van)

The FIFe shall only recognise the following EMS-codes in TUV: n, a, d, e, f, g (tabby and non-tabby). Offspring in a non-recognised variety must be registered as XLH * <TUV>.

The FIFe will not encourage any person or federation to produce Turkish Vans in any other colour varieties that those listed above.

Only cats imported from Turkey and surrounding countries may be entered in the Novice class for recognition. Their origin must be officially proved by documentation

1. 7 Rules for preliminary recognisedbreeds

The rules regarding an individual preliminary recognised breed shall be transferred to § 6 if and when full recognition is obtained for the breed.

If full recognition is not obtained before the period for preliminary recognition has expired:

• − the breed with preliminary recognition will automatically be transferred to the list of non- recognised breeds with their preliminary abbreviations in § 8.1 and the EMS code will be followed by a “non”
• − the rules regarding the breed will be transferred to § 8
• − registration of cats born and preliminary titles achieved during the Preliminary Recognition phase will remain as they are
• − cats born after the Preliminary Recognition phase must be registered in the RIEX register and “non” added after the breed abbreviation to indicate that this is now a non-recognised breed.

1. 7.1 List of preliminary recognisedbreeds

1. 8 Rules for non-recognisedbreeds
2. 8.1 List of non-recognisedbreeds

For registration purposes use the following list of abbreviations:

• * means additional information following the EMS-system; i.e. lower-case basic colour letter etc. Cats belonging to non-recognised breeds which are not listed above must be registered as:
• – XLH * followed by the fully written breed name between brackets for a longhair breed
• – XSH * followed by the fully written breed name between brackets for a shorthair breed.
• * means additional information following the EMS system; i.e. lower-case basic colour letter, etc.

The list of non-recognised breeds with their abbreviations is maintained and updated by the FIFe Board on recommendation from the Breeding & Registration Commission.

From 01.01.2012 the abbreviations for Scottish Fold (SFL non / SFS non) are deleted from the list in

§ 8.1 and cannot be re-created.

1. 8.2 Breeding with non-recognisedbreeds

The FIFe Member must grant permission before breeding with a non-recognised breed, except if indicated otherwise in § 8.

The application for such breeding must contain at least information on the breed, a full breeding programme, the intended standard and scale of points together with the philosophy of the breed.

The permission for a breeding programme can be for a specific number of generations (1, 2, 3 or more), or for an unspecified period until preliminary recognition is achieved.

If the FIFe Member has granted this permission, the progeny of such breeding may be registered in the RIEX register.

1. 8.3 JBL non (Japanese BobtailLonghair)

Silver, shaded, shell, golden, ticked tabby and pointed (i.e. EMS-codes s, y, 11, 12, 25, 31, 32 and 33) are not permitted in the Japanese Bobtail Longhair (JBL non) and must be registered as

XLH * <JBL non>.

1. 8.4 NEB non(Nebelung)

When breeding Nebelung:

• – only blue longhair progeny from blue parents can be registered as Nebelung (NEB non)
• – longhair progeny in a variety other than blue must be registered as XLH <NEB non>.

1. 8.5 TGR non(Toyger)

Only “TGR non” without any other breed in the ancestry (i.e. 4 generations prior to the cat) can be registered as “TGR non”. The only permitted variety is black mackerel tabby and no additional EMS code can be used. Outcross to other breeds – recognised or not recognised – is not permitted.

1. 9 Rules for non-recognised longhair/shorthair(XLH/XSH)
2. 9.1 Cats resulting fromcrossbreeding

1. 9.1.1 Definition

A crossbreed is regarded as the result of a mating with:

1. – two individually recognised breeds (as listed in § 6.1 and 7.1)
2. – two non-recognised breeds with preliminary abbreviations (as listed in § 8.1)
3. – two unrecognised breeds, i.e. XLH *, XSH *, XLH * (target breed), XSH * (target breed)
4. – a recognised breed and a non-recognised breed with preliminary abbreviation
5. – a recognised breed and an unrecognised breed
6. – an unrecognised breed and a non-recognised breed with preliminary abbreviation.

Crossbreeding can only be performed if the FIFe Member grants permission.

The application for crossbreeding must contain at least information on the target breed, the purpose of the crossbreeding, a full breeding programme and breeding plans, and in the case of non-recognised breeds, the proposed standard.

The permission for a breeding programme can be for a specific number of generations (1, 2, 3 or more), or for an unspecified period until the target breed standard is achieved.

In order to obtain re-registration in the target breed, one or more cats participating in a breeding

programme can be shown in the Control class (class 13b, → § 9.1.3) at any generation.

It is the National FIFe Members’ responsibility to check and confirm that all requirements as laid down

in § 9 are fulfilled prior to permitting cats to be shown in the Control class (class 13b).

The rules mentioned in § 9.1 do not apply to mating with sister breeds, which progeny must be entered directly in the Pedigree book in accordance with § 4.1 and 4.2.

1. 9.1.2 Registration as XLH * / XSH * with a targetbreed

Cats resulting from the crossing of two breeds must be registered in the RIEX register (→ § 4.3). These cats must be registered as longhair resp. shorthair progeny with a target breed:

1. – XLH * (EMS-code of target breed)

and as its description: “Non-recognised longhair” + the description for colour, pattern, etc. according to the EMS system

1. – XSH * (EMS-code of target breed)

and as its description: “Non-recognised shorthair” + the description for colour, pattern, etc. according to the EMS system.

(* means additional information following the EMS-system; i.e. lower-case basic colour letter etc.)

The addition “(EMS-code of target breed)” may only be used for progeny of two cats within a breeding programme as detailed in § 9.1.1.

Progeny of random matings or crossbreeding without permission must be registered as XSH * resp. XLH * without this addition.

1. 9.1.3 Re-registration in the targetbreed

A cat with the addition “(EMS-code of target breed)” may be re-registered in its target breed after meeting one of the following requirements:

OR

Re-registration must be marked in the RIEX register and on the pedigree by adding “(RR)” after the registration number.

1. 9.1.4 Special EMS codes for the registration of XLH/XSH with certain targetbreeds

In order to enable the correct registration of cats with a target breed in case of cats resulting from crossbreeding, the following EMS-codes may be used for the indicated target breeds:

Registration examples:

XSH n (SPH) non-recognised hairless black (target breed: Sphynx) XSH n 82 (SPH) non-recognised shorthair black (target breed: Sphynx) XSH n (DRX) non-recognised shorthair black (target breed: Devon Rex)

XSH n 84 (DRX) non-recognised shorthair straight coat black (target breed: Devon Rex)

1. 9.2 Novices

1. 9.2.1 Definition

Novices are cats where the parents are unknown, or cats without a pedigree (→ sub articles for BEN, KBL/KBS, KOR, MAU, MCO, NEM, SIB, SOK and THA in § 6).

1. 9.2.2 Registration as XLH * / XSH * with a target breed

When the FIFe Member has granted permission to the registration, novices shall be registered with a target breed in the RIEX register:

1. – XLH * (EMS-code of target breed)

and as its description: “Non-recognised longhair” + the description for colour, pattern, etc. according to the EMS system

1. – XSH * (EMS-code of target breed)

and as its description: “Non-recognised shorthair” + the description for colour, pattern, etc. according to the EMS system.

(* means additional information following the EMS-system; i.e. lower-case basic colour letter etc.)

Novices registered with a target breed can only be used in a breeding programme (for the target breed) which is approved by the FIFe Member.

1. 9.2.3 Re-registration in the targetbreed

Novices with the indication of a target breed as outlined in § 9.2.2 shall be re-registered in the target breed in the RIEX register after meeting the following requirements:

1. a) being exhibited at a minimum age of 10 months during an international show in the Novice class (class 13a; remark: a cat may only be entered once in the Novice class),
2. b) being judged in accordance with Show Rules § 5.4 by at least two FIFe judges whom the FIFe Member must provide with a written explanation as to why the cat is presented in this class
3. c) having obtained the qualification “Excellent” (for recognised breeds) according to the target breed standard or “” (for non-recognised breeds) according to the proposed standard (→ § 8) from both the judges.

After fulfilling the above requirements, a novice can be entered at shows in the target breed.

Re-registration in the target breed must be marked in the RIEX register and on the pedigree by adding “(RR)” after the registration number. Novices re-registered in the target breed can only be used in a breeding programme (for the target breed) which is approved by the FIFe Member.

1. 10 Recognition of newbreeds
2. 10.1 Definition of a newbreed

A new breed is a breed not listed by the FIFe as a recognised breed.

1. 10.2 Recognition process of new breeds

The goal of the process to obtain recognition of a new breed is twofold:

1. 1. to establish the new breed has a solid base within FIFe
2. 2. to get as many judges as possible acquainted with the new breed.

To recognise a new breed the steps as described in the following sub-articles must be executed.

1. 10.2.1 Step 1 – Set up a Breed Council for the newbreed

A Breed Council shall be established for the breed. The membership requirements for a Breed Council of a new breed are laid down in § 2 of the Breed Council Rules.

The Breed Council shall consist of at least 3 members from 3 different countries who shall elect a Breed Council secretary. The Breed Council coordinates all administrative work involved in the recognition process and will be supported by the 3 relevant commissions: Breeding & Registration Commission (BRC), Judges & Standards Commission (JSC) and Health & Welfare Commission (HWC). For issues related to the recognition process a direct contact is allowed between the Breed Council secretary and these commissions. All correspondence should always be sent to/by the Breed Council secretary.

1. 10.2.2 Step 2 – Preparation of the preliminary recognition of the newbreed

The requirements which must be fulfilled before preliminary recognition of the new breed can be proposed are:

1. 1. at least 3 individual members of at least 3 FIFe Members in different countries must have bred each at least 1 litter of the breed in the previous 2years
2. 2. pedigrees must be presented of at least 3 different cats showing 5 consecutive generations of the breed for recognition prior to the cat or 5 generations of breeding according to the suggested breeding restrictions and registration rules for the breed
3. 3. pedigrees must be presented of at least 15 different cats showing 3 different generations of the same breed for recognition prior to the cat or 3 generations of breeding according to the suggested breeding restrictions and registration rules for the breed
4. 4. all these cats must be owned or bred by a FIFe Member’s individual member
5. 5. all these cats must have been correctly registered according to FIFe rules in the Pedigree Books of at least 3 different FIFe Member countries
6. 6. all these cats must have pedigrees in accordance with § 4.5.

The Breed Council:

1. – collects and sends the scans of the original pedigrees (cats bred/owned) to the BRC for their check and approval
2. – sets up specific breeding restrictions and registration rules (if any) for the breed in cooperation with the BRC
3. – collects information on health issues in the breed, based on the guidelines given by the HWC (for example – but not limited to – litter sizes and number of kittens born) and sends this information to the HWC for their consideration
4. – sends general information about the breed (origin and history, development, colours, etc.) to the JSC
5. – sets up the preliminary breed standard in cooperation with the JSC (format, wording, consistency with other breed standards).

The JSC sets up the description of the varieties which are not yet recognised in any other breed and/or not described in the General Part of the Standards.

1. 10.2.3 Step 3 – Propose the preliminary recognition of the newbreed

After the confirmation from the 3 commissions has been received that all the necessary tasks and requirements in the previous step have been fulfilled, a joint proposal for preliminary recognition of the breed will be forwarded by the commissions to the next General Assembly.

The necessary information and documentation must be sent on a regular basis to the commissions. All such information and documentation must be received no later than the 1st of January in order to forward the proposal to the General Assembly of the same year.

The proposal must be forwarded in all FIFe languages and must at least include:

• – the preliminary breed standard including the scale of points, the table of varieties (EMS codes) and the category to which the breed belongs; all and only varieties (EMS codes) which are genetically possible according to the presented pedigrees can be included in the proposal
• – the description of varieties which are not yet recognised in any other breed and/or not described in the General Part to the Standards (if any)
• – the specific breeding restrictions and registration rules (if any)
• – the report of the JSC (introduction of the breed, history, colours, etc.)
• – the report of the BRC (pedigree information on cats bred/owned)
• – the report of the HWC (health issues)
• – the recommendation from each commission for the preliminary recognition of the breed.

The JSC is to give a short presentation of the breed (preferably with cats present) at the General Assembly.

1. 10.2.4 Step 4 – The preliminary recognition phase of the newbreed

After the proposal in the previous step has been accepted by the General Assembly, the preliminary recognition phase of the new breed starts on the 1st January of the next year.

During this phase cats of the preliminary recognised breed must be exhibited at FIFe shows in accordance with § 5.5.4 of the Show Rules and they will receive judges’ reports.

The requirements which must be fulfilled before full recognition of the preliminary recognised breed can be proposed are:

1. 1. at least 1 year must have passed since preliminary recognition was obtained for the breed
2. 2. at least 5 individual members of at least 3 FIFe Members in different countries must be actively breeding the breed during the preliminary recognition phase, i.e. at least a total of 15 different litters
3. 3. at least 40 different cats of the breed must each have been exhibited in show classes 7 – 12 in at least 3 different shows during the preliminary recognition phase; at least 15 of these cats must have the title PIC/PIP registered
4. 4. all these cats must have been entered for shows in accordance with their registered pedigree details
5. 5. each cat must have been judged by at least 3 different judges (countersigning is possible)
6. 6. all these cats must have received the qualification “Excellent” from the judges
7. 7. the shows must have been organised in at least 3 different countries
8. 8. all these cats must be owned or bred by a FIFe Member’s individual member
9. 9. all these cats must have been correctly registered according to FIFe rules in the Pedigree Books of at least 3 different FIFe Member countries
10. 10. all these cats must have pedigrees in accordance with § 4.5.

The Breed Council:

1. – collects and sends scans of the original pedigrees (cats bred and cats shown) to the BRC for their check and approval
2. – sets up specific breeding restrictions and registration rules (if any) for the breed in cooperation with the BRC
3. – collects information on health issues in the breed based on the guidelines given by the HWC (for example – but not limited to – litter sizes and number of kittens born) and sends this information to the HWC for their consideration
4. – collects scans of the original judge’s reports and – if applicable – the accompanying diploma (stating the name and other data of the cat), to be sent to the Breed Council by the cat’s owner
5. – sends the scans of the judge’s reports + diplomas to the JSC
6. – sets up the final breed standard in all FIFe languages in cooperation with the JSC (format, wording, consistency with other breed standards).

If after 5 years a preliminary recognised breed has not obtained full recognition, it will automatically return to the status “non-recognised breed”.

1. 10.2.5 Step 5 – Propose the full recognition of the newbreed

After the confirmation from the 3 commissions has been received that all the necessary tasks and requirements in the previous step have been fulfilled, a joint proposal for full recognition of the breed will be forwarded by the 3 commissions to the next General Assembly.

The necessary information and documentation must be sent on a regular basis to the commissions. All such information and documentation must be received no later than the 1st of January in order to forward the proposal to the General Assembly of the same year.

The proposal must be forwarded in all FIFe languages and must at least include:

• – the final breed standard, including the scale of points, the table of varieties (EMS codes), the category to which the breed belongs and the groups (if any) in which the varieties of the breed will be judged at shows; all and only varieties (EMS codes) which are genetically possible according to the presented pedigrees can be included in the proposal
• – the description of varieties which are not yet recognised in any other breed and/or not described in the General Part to the Standards (if any); this is the task and responsibility of the JSC
• – the final breeding restrictions and registration rules (if any)
• – the report of the BRC (pedigree information on cats bred/shown)
• – the report of the JSC (information on cats shown / evaluation of issued judges reports and results)
• – the report of the HWC (health issues)
• – the recommendation from each commission for the full recognition of the breed.

The JSC is to organise a lecture on the breed on the judges’ seminar following the General Assembly, with cats of the breed present.

1. 11 Recognition of newvarieties
2. 11.1 Definition of a newvariety

Variety is used as a concept covering a cat’s coat colour or any other trait. A new variety is an EMS code not earlier recognised in a specific breed.

1. 11.2 Recognition process of new varieties

The goal of the process to obtain recognition of a new variety is twofold:

1. 1. to establish the new variety has a solid base within FIFe
2. 2. to get as many judges as possible acquainted with the new variety.

To recognise a new variety the steps as described in the following sub-articles must be executed.

1. 11.2.1 Step 1 – Set up a Breed Council for the breed to which the new varietybelongs

Breeders within FIFe seeking the recognition of a new variety in a specific breed may send an application to the secretary of the Breed Council for the breed, indicating the relevant EMS codes.

The Breed Council is responsible to coordinate the work involved in the recognition process and its administration and will be supported by the 3 relevant commissions: Breeding & Registration Commission (BRC), Judges & Standards Commission (JSC) and Health & Welfare Commission (HWC).

For issues related to the recognition process a direct contact is allowed between the Breed Council secretary and these commissions. All correspondence should always be sent to/by the Breed Council secretary.

If no Breed Council exists a Breed Council shall be established for the breed.

1. 11.2.2 Step 2 – Prepare the preliminary recognition of the newvariety

The Breed Council collects the scans of the original pedigrees of the cats belonging to the new variety:

• – at least 10 different cats, showing at least 3 generations of the same breed or sister breed prior to the cat
• – the cats must be registered in a FIFe organisation and owned by a FIFe Member’s individual member
• – the cats must have been correctly registered according to FIFe rules in a FIFe Member’s Pedigree Book in at least 3 different countries
• – all these cats must have pedigrees in accordance with § 4.5.

1. 11.2.3 Step 3 – Propose the preliminary recognition of the newvariety

The Breed Council:

• – sends the application for recognition to the 3 relevant commissions
• – sends the pedigree scans to the BRC for their check and approval
• – sets up the changes in the breed standard (if any) and in the table of varieties (EMS codes) in all FIFe languages in cooperation with the JSC
• – sets up specific breeding restrictions and registration rules (if any) for the variety in all FIFe languages in cooperation with the BRC
• – collects and sends information on health issues of the variety based on the guidelines given by the HWC for consideration of this commission.

The JSC sets up the description of the variety in all FIFe languages if the variety is not yet recognised in any other breed and/or not described in the General Part of the Standards.

When the tasks and requirements in this step have been fulfilled, the 3 commissions will forward the application to the FIFe Board.

This application must include:

• – the changes in the breed standard (if any) and in the table of varieties (EMS codes) in all FIFe languages
• – the specific breeding restrictions and registration rules (if any) for the variety in all FIFe languages
• – the recommendation from each commission for the preliminary recognition of the new variety.

The FIFe Board will decide on the permission to start the preliminary recognition phase of the new variety.

The date on which permission is given will be considered the approval date.

1. 11.2.4 Step 4 – The preliminary recognition phase of the newvariety

The preliminary recognition phase of the new variety starts on the approval date as indicated in the previous step. During this phase cats of the preliminary recognised variety must be exhibited at FIFe shows in accordance with § 5.5.4 of the FIFe Show Rules and they will receive judges’ reports.

The requirements which must be fulfilled before full recognition of the preliminary recognised variety can be proposed are:

1. 1. at least 5 individual members of at least 3 FIFe Members in different countries must be actively breeding the variety during the previous 3 years, i.e. at least a total of 10 different litters; each litter must have at least 1 kitten of the variety concerned
2. 2. at least 20 different cats of the variety must have been exhibited each in show classes 7 – 12 in at least 3 different shows after the approval date; at least 8 of these cats must have the title PIC/PIP registered
3. 3. all these cats must be entered for shows in accordance with their registered pedigree details
4. 4. each cat must have been judged by at least 3 different judges (countersigning is possible)
5. 5. all these cats must have received the qualification “Excellent” from the judges
6. 6. the shows must have been organised in at least 3 different countries
7. 7. all these cats must be owned or bred by a FIFe Member’s individual member
8. 8. all these cats must have been correctly registered according to FIFe rules in a FIFe Member’s Pedigree Book in at least 3 different countries and must have pedigrees in accordance with § 4.5
9. 9. the changes in the breed standard (if any) and in the table of varieties (EMS codes) must be available, including the group (if any) in which the new variety will be judged at shows
10. 10. the description of the variety if the variety is not yet recognised in any other breed and/or not described in the General Part of the Standards must be available
11. 11. the specific breeding restrictions and registrations rules (if any) for the variety must be available.

The Breed Council:

• – collects and sends scans of the original pedigrees (cats bred and cats shown) to the BRC for their check and approval
• – sets up specific breeding restrictions and registration rules (if any) for the variety in the breed in cooperation with the BRC
• – collects information on health issues in the variety of the breed based on the guidelines given by the HWC and sends this information to the HWC for their consideration
• – collects scans of the original judge’s reports and – if applicable – the accompanying diploma (stating the name and other data of the cat), to be sent by the cat’s owner
• – sends the scans of the judge’s reports + diplomas to the JSC
• – sets up the changes in the breed standard in cooperation with the JSC.

1. 11.2.5 Step 5 – Propose the full recognition of the newvariety

After the confirmation from the 3 commissions has been received that all the necessary tasks and requirements in the previous step have been fulfilled, a proposal for full recognition of the variety will be forwarded by the 3 commissions to the next General Assembly.

The necessary information and documentation must be sent on a regular basis to the commissions. All such information and documentation must be received no later than the 1st of January in order to forward the proposal to the General Assembly of the same year.

The proposal must be in all FIFe languages and must at least include:

• – the changes in the breed standard and the scale of points (if any), the changes in the table of varieties (EMS codes) and the group (if any) in which the new variety will be judged at shows; all and only varieties (EMS codes) which are genetically possible according to the presented pedigrees can be included in the proposal
• – the description of varieties which are not yet recognised in any other breed and/or not described in the General Part to the Standards (if any)
• – the breeding restrictions and registration rules of the new variety (if any)
• – the report of the BRC (pedigree information on cats bred/shown)
• – the report of the JSC (information on cats shown / evaluation of issued judges reports and results)
• – the report of the HWC (health issues)
• – the recommendation from each commission for the full recognition of the variety.

The Breed Council of the breed concerned must receive all relevant documents in order to give its opinion on the subject of recognition no later than 15th of April of the year in which the proposal for recognition is forwarded to the General Assembly.

The JSC is to organise a lecture on the variety on the judges’ seminar following the General Assembly, with cats of the variety being present.

Appendix I – Genetic tests

Annex to the FIFe Breeding & Registration Rules, § 3.5.1 Test programmes,

listing commercially available genetic tests that are obligatory or recommended before breeding.

The Health & Welfare Commission has the permission to update the list when new tests are available.

FIFe Health & Welfare Commission Edition 29.09.2022

Appendix II – Health examinations

FIFe Health & Welfare Commission Edition 29.09.2022

Appendix III – Exceptions to the cattery name rules

Permit Belgium, who must respect an official governmental cattery registration, to have an exception to

§ 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.

In case of an identical or similar cattery name, the official country code (→ FIFe General Rules, Annex

2) must be added to the cattery name.